Introduction

The letter of introduction is used to introduce two of the friends or acquaintances of the writer. It may be given for either business or social reasons, but it should never be given except in all seriousness. One should never give a letter of introduction for business purposes unless one is absolutely sure of the ability and integrity of the person introduced. It would be much better to refuse to give the letter than to give less than full approval of the person or to run the risk of introducing one not thoroughly competent and reliable. The message should be simple and as brief as is consistent with completeness and courtesy. The letter, delivered in person by the one introduced, should be enclosed in an unsealed envelope, bearing in proper position the name and full address of the one for whom it is intended and in the lower left-hand corner the words introducing the person.

Congratulatory messages or notes should be sent for major business achievements. To write a letter of congratulation is one of the best ways to promote good will. The occasion may be a promotion, a new appointment, the award of an honor, the establishment of a new business, success in an examination, or even a marriage or a birthday. Whatever the occasion, your letter is sure to be well received. It may be either short and formal or conversational and informal, depending on the circumstances and the relationships between you and your reader. A short, straightforward letter is usually all that is necessary. Between persons in business, letters of congratulation sent to mark the award of a public honor need as a rule be only short and formal. Courtesy requires that letters of congratulation should be acknowledged. Like letters of condolence, letters of congratulation should never be written on someone else’s behalf.

Thank-you notes or appreciations, especially handwritten, are often valued more than a monetary reward.

Sympathy notes or expressions of condolence to a person who has experienced pain, grief, or misfortune are especially difficult to write but are also especially appreciated.

2. Writing persuasive messages

Planning the persuasive message. Persuasion is the process of motivating someone to take a specific action or to support a particular idea. Persuasion motivates someone to believe something or to do something that he or she would not otherwise have done. Thus, persuasion is necessary when the other person initially resists the efforts.

A persuasive writing requires careful planning; you need to define your purpose clearly and analyze your audience.

The purpose of a persuasive message is to motivate the reader to agree with you or to do as you ask. Knowing your purpose lets you know what kind of information to include in your persuasive message.

The more you’re able to promote the features of your idea or product as satisfying a specific need of your audience, the more persuasive your message will be. Use the “you” attitude to achieve the results you want.

1. Knowledge and attitude of the reader.

1. Effect on the reader.

1. Writer credibility.

Organizing a persuasive request, The purpose of your message and your knowledge of the reader will help determine the content of your message and the sequence in which you discuss each topic.

DETERMINING HOW TO START THE MESSAGE